Rutherford alpha particle scattering

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the scattering of alpha particles by a gold foil, specifically focusing on the detection of scattered particles at various angles and the effect of changing kinetic energy on scattering outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply a specific equation related to scattering to determine the number of detected alpha particles at different angles. Some participants question the validity of the provided answers and seek clarification on the methods used to arrive at those values.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the reasoning behind the answers provided, with some expressing uncertainty about the equations used. There is a reference to the dependence of a variable on kinetic energy, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a lack of access to relevant texts and resources, which may be influencing their understanding of the problem and the equations involved.

Tyst
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Homework Statement



A parallel beam of alpha particles with fixed kinetic energy is normally incident on a piece of gold foil.
a) if 100 alpha particles per minute are detected at 20 degrees, how many will be counted at 40, 60, 80 and 100 degrees?
b) If the kinetic energy of the incident alpha partilces is doubled, how many scattered alpha particles will be observed at 20 degrees.
The density of the gold foil is given to be 19.3 g/cm^3

2. Homework Equations / Attempt at solution

N = k/[sin(theta/2)^4] ... My question is in relation to the relevant equations. I attempted to use this equation (substituting values given for scattering at 20 degrees to find 'k') for part a), though i am fairly sure there is more to it than this, could someone please point me in the right direction with regard to other equations relevant to this problem? I'm afraid i am lacking a text and have had no luck with google!

Thank you for your time.
 
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a.) 40 - 50
60 - 25
80 - 10
100 - 5

b.) 2x 200 2He4
 
Thank you for the response .ultimate, i was wondering if you could tell me how you came to get those answers? Perhaps you could tell me what equations were used, or how you came to that conclusion?

Thank you
 
Tyst said:
Thank you for the response .ultimate, i was wondering if you could tell me how you came to get those answers? Perhaps you could tell me what equations were used, or how you came to that conclusion?

Thank you

I don't think he used 'equations'. He made them up. It sounds like you are doing exactly the right thing for part a). Do b) in more or less the same way - but now you'll need to know the dependence of k on the kinetic energy. Here's a reference:

http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/rutsca.html
 
Thanks Dick :cool:
 

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